4-5 ripe bananas, sliced
1 (11 oz) box vanilla wafers (Nilla Wafers classic!)
Extra wafers & banana slices for garnish
*Homemade Custard Option (Instead of Pudding Mix):
½ cup sugar
3 tbsp cornstarch
¼ tsp salt
3 cups whole milk
3 egg yolks, beaten
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Pudding Filling
For Instant Pudding Version:
Whisk pudding mix + milk for 2 mins until thick.
Stir in sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and whipped cream/Cool Whip.
For Homemade Custard:
Mix sugar, cornstarch, salt in a saucepan. Gradually whisk in milk.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (~8 mins).
Temper egg yolks with hot mixture, then return to pan. Cook 2 more mins.
Remove from heat, stir in butter & vanilla. Cool before layering.
2. Layer the Pudding, Bananas & Wafers
In a 9x13 dish or trifle bowl, layer:
1st Layer: Vanilla wafers (slightly overlapping).
2nd Layer: Banana slices.
3rd Layer: Half the pudding.
Repeat layers, ending with pudding.
3. Chill & Serve
Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours (best overnight).
Before serving, top with extra whipped cream, wafers, and banana slices.
Pro Tips for the Best Banana Pudding
🔹 Use ripe (but firm) bananas – Too ripe = mushy texture.
🔹 Prevent browning – Toss banana slices in lemon juice if making ahead.
🔹 For extra richness – Use homemade custard + whipped cream.
🔹 Let it sit! – The wafers soften into cake-like layers over time.
Variations & Swaps
🍪 Cookie swap – Try shortbread or chessmen cookies.
🍫 Chocolate twist – Add cocoa powder to pudding or layer with chocolate chips.
🍍 Tropical version – Add toasted coconut or crushed pineapple.
🥜 Peanut butter lover’s – Swirl in peanut butter with the pudding.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes! Assemble (without banana garnish) up to 1 day early. Add bananas before serving.
Q: How long does it last?
A: 2-3 days max (bananas brown over time).
Q: Can I use frozen whipped topping?
A: Yes, Cool Whip works fine, but fresh whipped cream tastes richer!
Final Thoughts
This Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding is creamy, sweet, and loaded with nostalgia—just like Grandma used to make! Whether you stick with the easy instant pudding or go all-out with homemade custard, every bite is pure comfort.